Telecoms providers (such as Virgin Media, O2 and BT) are moving their customers from old analogue landlines to new upgraded services which use digital technology, by 31 January 2027.
Services that rely on the old landline system will be 'switched over' and plugged into a WiFi router after the switch.
Find out more about:
- how the Digital Switchover may affect you
- the Digital Switchover for Be Independent customers
- the Digital Switchover for schools and businesses
- Digital Switchover resources
How the Digital Switchover may affect you
Anything that currently uses the old telephone network will be affected, such as:
- telephone and healthcare devices
- non-voice services connected to old 'lines' (Public Switched Telephone Network, PSTN, or Integrated Services Digital Network, ISDN)
- building security and personal alarms
- electronic point of sale (EPOS) machines
- payment lines
- door entry systems
- closed circuit television (CCTV)
- fax machines
- building energy management systems (BEMS)
Your provider will confirm which services you currently use will impacted by the switch to digital landlines; many customers are already 'making the switch' when they upgrade to full-fibre broadband.
Your telecoms provider will contact you to discuss what you need to do, and make sure your service isn’t affected; we’re simply encouraging everyone to know what to expect.
- digital landlines cannot carry a power connection
- in the event of a power cut digital landlines will not work
- if you have a mobile telephone it could be used during a power cut
- if you’ve no means of calling the emergency services during a power cut, your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made
The Digital Switchover for Be Independent customers
If you're a Be Independent customer, you don't need to do anything yet; our team will contact you about upgrading your telecare or emergency monitoring devices at your property. On the day of your upgrade a technician will visit to replace the relevant equipment.
If you’re worried about your devices, telephone: 01904 645000 (option 1); our Be Independent service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Digital Switchover for schools and businesses
If you have any other devices connected to the phone lines, such as alarm systems, lifts, payment lines and CCTV you may need to upgrade your devices to ensure that they are compatible to work with the new digital connection.
If you're unsure how to start the upgrade process, contact your equipment supplier to discuss the best solutions to ensure that your services continue.
Digital Switchover resources
Read helpful resources to guide you through the Digital Switchover:
- Local Government Association has put together a Digital switchover partner toolkit
- AgeUK have answered frequently asked questions about what the switchover means for residents
- the government has established the Public Switched Telephone Network charter that sets out a voluntary agreement between itself and communication providers to protect vulnerable people when they are moved onto digital services
- Comms Council UK are offering support for consumers
- BT Openreach is offers further information about upgrading the UK to digital phone lines
Also see
Be Independent
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